Are you willing to pay more for policing in Cheshire?
That is the question the county’s police and crime commissioner, Dan Price, is asking in his consultation ahead of setting the force’s budget for the coming year.
Mr Price is asking the public for their views on three proposed options for the police precept which residents pay through their council tax:
- no increase (currently £262.94 per year for a Band D property)
- an increase of £14 (taking the precept to £276.94 per year for a Band D property)
- An increase of £28 (taking the precept to £290.94 per year for a Band D property)
Nearly two thirds of properties in Cheshire fall into bands A-C, meaning the majority of households would not see as much of an increase as those in a Band D property.
Mr Price said ensuring the public’s voice was heard was part of his role as Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner.
He said residents’ views would be taken into account, together with other considerations, when he is setting the force’s budget.
He added that people had told him they want a more visible police presence, early intervention to prevent crime, more support services for victims and better use of technology to keep one step ahead of criminals.
What does a police and crime commissioner do?
The commissioner’s responsibilities include:
- The ability to provide or commission services intended to help victims and witnesses of crime and anti-social behaviour.
- The ability to provide or commission services that will secure, or contribute to securing, a reduction in crime and disorder.
- A duty to ensure that all collaboration agreements with other commissioners and forces deliver value for money or enhance the effectiveness of policing capabilities and resilience.
- A responsibility for enhancing criminal justice in their area.
“I have to set a budget for the next year that gives the police the resources they need to meet your expectations to keep you safe,” Mr Price said.
“I’m asking for your feedback on how much you think you should pay for your police service.
“I know the financial burdens of households who are still balancing their books due to the cost-of-living crisis and that no one wants to spend more.
“But I also need to ensure there is funding available for support and intervention services helping those who need it.
“Cheshire Constabulary is a high performing force, and I want to ensure they can continue to provide communities with the service they deserve and expect.”
He said inflation had added nearly £14m per year to policing costs in Cheshire, leaving a funding gap which had to be closed.
Mr Price said dipping into reserves and reviewing existing expenditure had meant the gap had been narrowed by £6.3m so far.
Residents can have their say by completing the survey here
The consultation is asking the public for feedback on the three proposed options below.
- Option 1 – no increase
- Option 2 – increase of £14 per year (£1.17 extra per month) for Band D properties
- Option 3 – increase of £28 per year (£2.33 extra per month) for Band D properties
| Council Tax Band | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 |
| A | £175.29 | £184.63 | £193.96 |
| B | £204.51 | £215.40 | £226.29 |
| C | £233.72 | £246.17 | £258.61 |
| D | £262.94 | £276.94 | £290.94 |
| E | £321.37 | £338.48 | £355.59 |
| F | £379.80 | £400.02 | £420.24 |
| G | £438.23 | £461.57 | £484.90 |
| H | £525.88 | £553.88 | £581.88 |
